DANIEL M. JOHNSON, PHD

Dr. Johnson joined the SkyLIFE board in 2014. In addition to his duties as a SkyLIFE Board Member he is also President Emeritus and a Distinguished University of Public Policy and Economic Development (Retired) at Toledo University. Dr. Johnson has enjoyed a remarkable career as a professor of Sociology and Demography at several major universities, including Wichita State University, the University of Illinois at Springfield, Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of North Texas and the University of Alaska at Anchorage.

During his various administrative roles as Dean, Provost and President, Dr. Johnson has lead his universities to become highly engaged in community issues, and particularly, in regional economic development. He has served on numerous community boards, including the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Growth Partnership and the Urban League. He also served as a consultant to several universities, most recently in the Maldives. He has also served as a commissioner to the Western Higher Education Commission, one of six major accrediting bodies in the U.S.

In 2008, Dr. Johnson was invited to become Provost and Chief Operating Officer of Zayed University, located in the United Arab Emirates, with campuses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. During his tenure at Zayed he worked closely with Minister of Higher Education and Research in building a new, world-class campus in Abu Dhabi and developed cooperative relationships with many universities in the region.

Dr. Johnson returned to Toledo University in 2011 as President Emeritus where he led the University’s initiative for Global Engagement. Since retiring from that position he has remained active in community affairs and consulting on projects designed to attract investment to Northwest Ohio. Dr. Johnson is also the author of six books and his latest, Leading Economic Development, will be released in January, 2015.